The Latimer Hinks Charity Ball - its over!

The Latimer Hinks Team - that's me, on the right in the purple dress!

After all of the preparation, running around like a headless chicken and the added stress of a bad back the Latimer Hinks Charity Ball was a resounding success. Virtually everything went according to plan - and I have my St Teresa's volunteers and the Latimer Hinks team to thank for that.

We were extremely lucky weather wise. Friday 6th June was a fantastic day, so warm that many of the guests chatted on the terrace until the early hours!

The magicians were brill, the singer Cole Page, very entertaining and the guests turned out in their most splendid suits and glamorous ball gowns.

Our auction raised £3000! Prizes were donated by companies and individuals and I'd like to thank them for their support. Take a look at the full auction list

Auction 1
Gillian Lewis (Spectrum Coaching and Consultancy) - What not to Wear

Auction 2
Headlam Hall Hotel - Head Chef 10 course Tasting Session

Auction 3
Truffle Restaurant - Fine Dining in Your Own Home

Auction 4
Four Rounds of Four Ball Golf Games
Wynyard Golf Club, Saltburn Golf Club, Teesside Golf Club, Seahouses Golf Club

Auction 5
Sporting Legends - Mr & Mrs Brough & Recognition PR

Auction 6 - this auction raised the most money - a whopping £700!
Adrenalin Junkie
Gorge Walking - Endless Adventures North East - take a look at their video on Gorge Walking - highly recommended if you like "extremes" Point Blank Paintball, Beamish Wild, Teesside Autodrome

I will be updating with the full amount raised shortly.

Donations required...Latimer Hinks Charity Ball - local business people supporting local charities

Every two years Latimer Hinks Solicitors host a Charity Ball in aid of local charities and on June 6th 2014 it will be our 8th Ball!

Images from 2012

To date Latimer Hinks has raised over £50,000. Beneficiaries of monies raised (to name just a few - and in no particular order) include:

• St Teresa's Hospice
• The County Durham Foundation
• Farm Crisis Network
• Age Concern
• Darlington Town Mission
• The Breathe Easy Group
• The Way Foundation
• Family Help
• Darlington & District Social Blind Club
• Holistic Cancer Care Centre
• The Teenage Cancer Trust
• Help for Heroes
• The Soldiers' Charity
• Childline
• North East Air Ambulance
• Darlington on Disability

We have invited local business people to attend and so far the response has been overwhelming. Invitations were posted on 10th February and 19 tables have already been booked by businesses/organisations that have attended in the past. We strive to provide an excellent evening and repeat bookings are encouragement that we must certainly be doing something right!!

In 2014 entertainment will be provided by Cole Page an international swing singer and magician David Penn as well as a casino, disco etc. Once again the venue will be the fantastic Wynyard Hall.

For us to continue to raise much needed funds we need prizes ... prizes that we can use on our tombola, our golden ticket draw and also our auction.

We're looking for something special for auction prizes, perhaps something money can't buy - an experience?

If you/your business would like to donate  PLEASE let me know (Andrea Tobin 01325 341507 at@latimerhinks.co.uk) your donation will be acknowledged via the internet, throughout the evening and via associated publicity material before and after the event - and also on our blog!

 

I look forward to hearing from you.

 

60 Years at Priestgate, Darlington - A Celebration

Anne Elliott, Marketing Partner (2nd left) and the Latimer Ladies

Since 1953 Latimer Hinks has presided at 5-8 Priestgate, Darlington - that's a whopping 60 years in the same offices! We felt it was "necessary" to celebrate this achievement, but how?

Anne Elliott, Marketing Partner at Latimer Hinks recently met a Client where they discussed (amongst other things) the "yet to be planned" celebration. The Client mentioned that there is, in existence a group of ladies who meet once a year and the reason they meet is that at some time in their working life they were part of the team here at Latimer Hinks.

This was the key to our celebrations.....we would invite some of the people who had worked for Latimer Hinks at Priestgate to a celebratory evening and hope that we would have guests from each decade, from the 50's to date.

The challenge was on! Unfortunately a few of the ladies on our list were unable to attend. However we were delighted to welcome 12 ladies along to a tour of our offices so that they could see how things had changed. After having photographs taken for promotional and historical purposes they were then escorted next door to the Kings Hotel where a sumptuous meal awaited.

Amongst the invitees were three longserving current employees - Sylvia Bradding (31 years), Michele Carter (29 years) and Maureen Grainger (27 years) as well as Partners, Anne Elliott (37 years), Neil Stevenson (16 years), Nicola Neilson (13 years) and Elizabeth Armstrong (7 years).

The evening went extremely well. The ladies especially liked to look at the old photographs we have, to try and pick out themselves and who they knew.

We have had many letters and emails thanking us for the evening. Latimer Hinks truly is unique in that the employees like to "stick around" for many years.

One particular lady quoted " I was employed from the summer of 1958 - 1961. Although we were all busy with our individual work, there was a great atmosphere in the office of friendship and helpfulness, and I, for one, thoroughly enjoyed my three years at Latimers. Even though my employment was relatively short, it was the best employment I had before teaching."

Another "Thank you for a really enjoyable evening - it was lovely to see so many old friends once again. Seeing around the office brought back so may memories from over 50 years ago!"

There are Added Benefits to being a Commercial Property Lawyer

Recently, Neil Stevenson advised on a lease agreement for a new catering business in Darlington.

He was extremely happy to accomodate time out of the office for a photo shoot at Maggie's Place in Darlington, especially when tea and cake was mentioned!

Check out the full story Latimer Hinks Helps Business Woman Achieve Life-long Ambition

More Donations Gratefully Accepted!!!

Since my last post we have received some very generous donations for the Latimer Hinks Charity Ball. Please see my previous post and you will see why we are hosting the Ball.

Our main charity for 2012 is The Soldiers' Charity - a charity committed to raising funds to provide lifetime support to soldiers, ex soldiers and their families. We will also raise funds for St Teresa's Hospice and again smaller local charities.

So, thank you to:
S G Petch New & Used Car Dealership are providing an auction prize of a luxury car for the weekend - a Peugeot RCZ or a Hyundai Veloster. All the winner needs now is a luxury break to go with it - perhaps the prize of a stay at Chillingham Castle in Northumberland, what more could you ask for?

Local businesses have also been generous with donations of wine, which is great as we will have a wine or water stall. We supply the water!! So thanks to Northumbria Water & Property Solutions (very apt for this particular fundraising game) and Neighbours Cleaning for their contributions.

The Latimer Hinks Ball is obviously very well liked as we now only have 4 tables left to sell! We originally started with 27 - and the ball is not until the 18th May!

In order to raise "loads of money" for the charities we need prizes for our various fundraising mechanisms.

So, please show your support - if you'd like to donate a prize/experience...whatever..simply call me, Andrea Tobin 01325 341507 or email at@latimerhinks.co.uk

All donations will be acknowledged via the internet, throughout the evening and via associated publicity material.

Latimer Hinks Helping to Light Up Durham @ the Lumiere 2011

The Festival of Light - the Lumiere - is happening again in Durham City from 17th - 20th November.

It's a fantastic free event suitable for all of the family.

In 2011 Latimer Hinks decided to become part of the Lumiere, and along with Recognition PR are sponsoring a "preview" evening for local businesses.

If you're interested in going along, take a look at their website. There will be some fabulous installations, i'm particularly looking forward to the "snow dome" in Durham market place.

The Bride's Ball - A great success!

The Bride's Ball, held on 30th September 2011 was a great success. Over £3300 was raised on the evening with the monies distributed evenly between:

• St Teresa's Hospice, Darlington
• Age UK (Darlington)
• Holistic Cancer Care Centre at James Cook University Hospital

We could not have chosen a better day to hold the ball. What can I say...I love an indian summer! Temperatures during the day reached 27 degrees, dipping only slightly to 22 on the evening. Not a bride in sight was shivering.

Guests really took to the dress code. Over 50 ladies dressed in bridal gowns - a sea of white satin, silk and lace.
A competition took place for new, old, vintage and bijou dresses - which added to the excitement. An auction, tombola and water or wine game helped to boost the money raised on the evening.

However, I don't think the girls will be planning another bridal event in the near future...fee earning and event organsing don't exactly go hand in hand. Hats off (or should I say tiaras) to the girls for organising such a successful and enjoyable evening.

Full press release can be found here Brides and Grooms Raise Over £3300 for North East Charities

You might also want to take a look at some of the pictures the professional photographer (Debbie Stogden) took Debbie Stogden Professional Photography

Thanks again to all that supported the ball

We've Been Recommended by the Legal 500!

The Legal 500 is classed as the Who's Who in law and 5 of Laitmer Hinks partners are recommended - so really, we have to shout about it! Get ready...

Legal 500 - Latimer Hinks

Partners
Tim Haggie - Real Estate/Commercial Property
Anne Elliott - Agriculture and Estates, Personal Tax, Trusts and Probate
Nick Poole - Corporate and Commercial
Neil Stevenson - Agriculture and Estates
Mark Gardner - Dispute Resolution/Commercial Litigation

The Bridal Ball is mentioned in Hitched (Bridal Magazine)

Hey, we managed to promote the Bridal Ball via Hitched, an upmarket bridal magazine. Many thanks to their editor Pauline Holt and to BQ Magazine for passing our details to Hitched in the first place.

You can take a look at the piece here and click to page 76.

There's not much time left until the ball, we're all very busy organising but i'd like to thank a few of the very generous businesses who are supporting the Bridal Ball by offering their services free of charge in order that we can raise as much money as possible on the evening.

• Debbie Stogden for professional photography Services
• MT print for preparing the tickets and marketing material
• Limelight Ltd for providing the photobooth
• Bake My Day Catering for donating the cake

As well as loads of other local business that have donated prizes for the fundraising games on the evening.
The list is very nearly endless....Crathorne Hall Hotel, Middlesbrough Football Club, Michael Simpson, personal trainer, Audi Teesside, Ainsley Financial Management Ltd, Kings Camps, Neighbours Cleaning Services, Wynyard Hall, Buyagift.com, The Cheese and Wine Shop, Crathorne Hall Hotel, Teesside Audi, Middlesbrough Football Club, Whitehouse Funeral Services, Dinsdale Spa, Redcar Races , Clean Care fabrics, Heather Carter, myhousecleaner.co.uk, The Perfume Shop, Me Me Me Accessories, Metro Centre, Marc Antoni, Buckles and Bows, Chez Bec, Boots plc, Poppy Bridal for allowing us to use their shop for our press release and to borrow their beautiful bridal gowns, The Old Tapas Bar, The Village Inn Brompton, Psyche, No 7, Dobinsons Bridal Shop for donating a Tiara, Wades Associates, Independent Financial Advisors, Beamish Museum, Point Blank Paintball, Ariel Extreme, Hollywood Bowl, Virgin Vie, You got nails, Camera A, Northumbrian Water Property Solutions, Café 85, The Silver Shop, Smile Spa, North Yorkshire Moors Railway , Revolution Newcastle, Falconry Centre, Diggerland, Majestic Wines, Rockliffe Hall, Hartlepool Historic Quay, Compugift, Saltburn Surf School, Prego, Ebony, Café Lilli, Black Sheep Brewery, Big Sheep Little Cow, Van Mildert
 
I'll update you once the ball is over.

Something Different - A Bridal Ball to Raise Money for Charities

Have you ever wanted to wear your wedding dress again (i'm talking to the ladies out there)?!

Have you ever been a Bridesmaid but never a Bride?

Do you want to wear the dress without the stress?

If so read on..

The Bride's Ball
Friday 30th September 2011
@ Rockliffe Hall, Darlington
Ticket cost: £50

Latime Hinks is supporting Helen Thomas and Natalie Palmer in their quest to raise as much money as possible for three very deserving charities via The Bride's Ball. A fun event that will see around 100 wedding dresses in the same room (grooms are invited too!)

The evening will include a superb three course meal, entertainment, charity auction, raffle and by asking people to turn up in a wedding dress (or grooms wear for the men) it will add a special element to the evening.

Prizes will be given on the night for the best dresses in the following categories – old (or shall we say “vintage”), new, borrowed and bijou (or “sparkly”). So “dress to impress”.

The venue for the Bride's Ball is the magnificent Rockliffe Hall, Darlington. A venue any bride would be proud to hold their wedding.

The Charities:

• St Teresa's Hospice, Darlington
• Age UK (Darlington)
• Holistic Cancer Care Centre at James Cook University Hospital

 for larger version of image click here

and for further details Brides' & Grooms' Charity Night

We do hope you can join us!

Raising Money for Charity - The Vantis Challenge

This is the second year that Latimer Hinks is supporting the Vantis Corporate Challenge now named the Evolution Corporate Challenge (asVantis has had a name change).
The challenge is to generate as much money as possible from £50. All the monies raised, including the original £50, will then be donated equally to three local charities; St Teresa’s of Darlington, Zoe’s Place Baby Hospice in Middlesbrough and Hartlepool & District Hospice.

So far, we've had a Dress Down Day, a Decorated Egg competition (Dennis the Menace won - well deserved) and we're also having a "Bake Off" - very enjoyable. Cakes are baked, sold and judged.

Hopefully we'll raise a decent amount to help out these deserving charities!

Primogeniture - a thing of the past?

Primogeniture was the custom of land inheritance whereby the entire estate passes to the eldest son. In the past this method of estate planning was accepted as the "norm" but now times are changing!

Andrew Way of Latimer Hinks Solcitiors comments... Female Inheritance Breaks out of the Downton Abbey Age

For a more detailed explanation please visit Primogentiure - life in Elizabethan England.

The Daily Mirror also comments No Excuse for Clinging on to Outdated Primogeniture Rules

For further information on inheritance and estate planning please contact our team at Latimer Hinks, we'd be more than happy to help!

The Team
Andrew Way
Anne Elliott
Elizabeth Armstrong
Natalie Walker
Helen Booth
Gillian Perkins
Nadine Sweeney
Victoria Moremon
Kelly McLoughlin
Daniel Williams
Julie Porter

Local Enterprise Partnership Question Time

Are you involved with a business in the Darlington and surrounding area?

If so you may wish to attend a question time event to find out more about the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and what it will mean to your business.

Further details

Fundraising via a Fake Wedding

One of our ladies - Gillian Ibbotson is a Trustee for Darlington Town Mission and was recently invited to attend a "Fake Wedding" in order to raise funds for the mission.

Gillian organised a table with guests from Latimer Hinks. The dress code was obviously, wedding attire. This provided the perfect opportunity to have a second wearing out of a wedding outfit! Having had at least three ladies from Latimer Hinks married in a year there was no shortage of volunteers.

Guests were asked to take along a "gift" for the bride and groom, The gifts were then auctioned later in the evening.

There was a "Father of the Bride" speech (no Best Man speech), a disco and plenty of refreshments on hand. All in all it was a very enjoyable evening - the money raised on the evening amounted to £2000.

So, well done Darlington Town Mission for taking on something a little bit different!

Santa's SWOT Analysis

It's that time of year when everyone is in a rush. That may mean rushing to finish Christmas shopping or rushing to finish business deals before the end of the year... well, why not sit back, relax and take a light hearted look at Santa's Business Plan for 2011!

SANTA SWOTS UP WITH THE HELP OF LAW FIRM

One of the world’s best known employers has turned to one of Darlington and County Durham’s longest-established law firms, Latimer Hinks, to help gauge the health of his business.

Santa Claus, a global manufacturer and distributor of gifts, employs a team of elves at his North Pole delivery centre, and is currently approaching his peak season of activity.

The owner-managed business has asked Mark Gardner, of Latimer Hinks Solicitors, to help establish a SWOT analysis, a strategic planning method used to evaluate the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats involved in a project or in a company.

Mark said: “Not only did Mr Claus come to Latimer Hinks for his advice, in a festive act of giving to the business community, he has agreed that we can release the findings of the SWOT analysis to give other owners an insight into the benefits that such activity can offer.

“By looking at a business as it stands, its future opportunities for growth and the challenges which it will face in the future, owners can pull together a more informed plan for development and, hopefully, success.

“As one year ends and another approaches, this is an ideal time to be looking to the future in this way.”

Mr Claus’ SWOT analysis is:

Strengths:

·        The business benefits from falling outside of competition laws within the Christian community, allowing it to monopolise the market in reindeer and magic-powered Christmas gift deliveries.

·        As the sole owner of a magical sleigh capable of delivering around the world within one night, Mr Claus is also in prime position to fend off any competitors which may arise.

Weaknesses:

·        Mr Claus relies on a single team of reindeer and only one sleigh. As magical sleighs are no longer in production, a mechanical problem could prove fatal to the business. Rumours that a new eco-friendly hybrid sleigh is in secret tests could provide a resolution, but the lack of current alternatives is a weakness.

·        The business is threatened by longer standing customers becoming disenfranchised. Despite centuries of successful service to his global client base, some customers have expressed lack of faith, particularly around ten to 13 years into the supplier/client relationship.

Opportunities:

·        Perpetual growth in the world population allows for continued expansion in the distribution business. This allows Mr Claus to re-train some of the elves affected by the decline in the manufacturing operation (see “Threats” below).

·        Growing demand for larger quantities of gifts, particularly from the customer group known as the “advertising overload” or “want that one” generation is a source of growth for the distribution business.

Threats:

·        A growth in the volume and popularity of children’s toys being manufactured across the world is a threat to Mr Claus’ own manufacturing business. Such lines as spinning tops and skipping ropes have all but shut down at the North Pole, with more expected to follow.

·        The business is currently considering its long-term plans for the location of its premises, due to the threat of global warming. The North Pole location is synonymous with Mr Claus’ corporate identity, while relocation costs for the elves and their families, along with a wardrobe allowance to cope with the more temperate climate likely to come with a move, are costs which will detract from the core business.

Mark said: “Once an analysis is done, we can start to look at aiding and advising on the various elements. These might include working on an exclusive research and development agreement with the hybrid sleigh manufacturer, client retention and satisfaction, or employment law as the workforce grows – notably in this case anti-discrimination legislation to bring non-elves into the company. Other areas of assistance could include establishing franchising opportunities, delivery contracts, new commercial leases and alternative ways of holding property, all of which would help to tackle the W, O and T of the SWOT.”

Latimer Hinks wish you all a Merry Christmas!

Latimer Hinks Recommended by Legal 500 & Chambers UK!

Latimer Hinks' partners have been recognised as experts in their particular fields by the Legal 500 and Chambers UK - I think we need to give ourselves a pat on the back!

Legal 500 - Published for over twenty years, the Legal 500 Series provides the most comprehensive worldwide coverage currently available on legal services providers, in over 100 countries. Used by commercial and private clients, corporate counsel, CEOs, FDs and professional advisers - as well as by other referrers of work both nationally and internationally - the series is widely regarded as offering the definitive judgement of law firm capabilities.

Corporate & Commercial (Nick Poole)
Latimer Hinks advised on the sale of a number of architectural practices based in the region and also the South East.

Commercial Litigation (Mark Gardner)
Latimer Hinks has a debt recovery and bankruptcy specialist in Mark Gardner

Agriculture & Estates (Anne Elliott)
Latimer Hinks' "evident commitment to the farming community" has significantly enhanced it's reputation for agricultural work. Clients particularly highlight Anne Elliott, who "combines a clear grasp of the issues, passionate commitment and an ability to communicate in clear, everyday language."

Agriculture & Estates
Tim Haggie is also recommended for agricultural property development (Tim Haggie)

Personal Tax, Trusts & Probate (Anne Elliott)
Anne Elliott at Latimer Hinks recently assisted on the administration of an estate worth £3.9m involving complex family matters and farming, business and IHT issues

Real Estate (Mark Clayton)
Mark Calyton's team at Latimer Hinks advised a local business on the £1m acquisition of new industrial and office premises at Newton Aycliffe

Chambers UK - The UK Guide lists both solicitors and barristers in over 70 specialist areas of law. Since 1989, Chambers have been researching the UK legal profession, identifying the leading lawyers and law firms through interviews with thousands of lawyers and their clients. Their reputation is based on the independence and objectivity of research.

This Darlington team advises on a range of agricultural matters, including sales and purchases, agricultural holdings, and succession planning. More recently it has advised on an increasing number of wind farm developments. The team has a loyal client base who praise the firm for having “a fantastic appreciation of the common concerns held by farmers and landowners.”

Client Service “The team provides a very personal service; it is always accessible and very approachable.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Anne Elliott is “extremely thorough and very knowledgeable,” according to sources. She is commended for her advice on succession planning.

Real Estate
Nicola Neilson heads up Latimer Hinks' residential property practice. One source said: "She is very efficient – she knows what we want and delivers."

A Visit from LawNet

Yesterday representatives from LawNet travelled to Latimer Hinks to discuss/inform us of the services LawNet offers.

Latimer Hinks is a member of LawNet.

LawNet's aim is "to help win and retain clients, reduce costs and increase profitability" so it was a good idea for their team to come along and update us.

The talk was to be held at our offices in Priestgate, we arranged lunch (courtesy of LawNet). The finger buffet provided by Ray Wade catering was excellent!

This was the first lunch for LawNet. They wish to carry out the same process with other member firms - we were very gentle with them!

It soon became apparent that we really did not know much at all about LawNet.

• members can enjoy online specialist groups (knowing that other law firms would not be in competition)
• LawNet can write text for a particular service we would wish to provide
• we can use standard leaflets and drop in our logo
• there are free pdf's available that can be tailored to requirements
• they are considering offering training in the North (sometimes fee earners would like to take up training but most courses are based in London)

Many other points were discussed, and will continue to be discussed. Now that we have met the LawNet team it feels that we are now building a relationship and can contact them for advice/information. It's also good to put a face to a voice or email!!

The LawNet team were:

• Helen Hamilton-Shaw - Director of Services
• Myriam Stirling - Events & Networking Co-ordinator
• George Coombes - Marketing & Services Executive

 

CANCELLED! FREE Breakfast Presentation - Employment Issues

DUE TO LACK OF INTEREST THIS PRESENTATION HAS BEEN CANCELLED!

Nick Poole, Latimer Hinks Solicitors

Are you an employer? Do you worry about your employment documents? Are you aware of what you should be doing to comply with the law?

Nick Poole of Latimer Hinks Solicitors is hosting a free breakfast presentation on 20th October at Darlington Football Club.

Nick will be speaking about various hot topics in the work place including legal representation at disciplinary hearings.

Nick will also be offering a free initial health check which will covering your employment documents.

For further information and an opportunity to attend this presentation please visit Latimer Hinks - Free Breakfast Presentation

Two representatives from Garbutt & Elliott chartered accountants will also be speaking - their topic, remuneration and tax planning for businesses.

Debt - it has it's Problems

Many individuals and businesses face financial problems, especially in this continuing recession.

The worry of debt can lead to extreme reactions, illness, stress, suicide!! At these times unscrupulous debt management companies can take advantage.

Mark Gardner, Partner at Latimer Hinks advises on the issues of bankruptcy, debt recovery and insolvency.

The office of fair trading recently highlighted the problems of bad debt companies. Read Mark's comments on this report.

If you find youself in a desperate situation, please speak to someone...citizens advice, legal advisers etc. By speaking you are sharing and by sharing you are "lightening the load."

Divorce - could a new ruling be considered a "Cheat's Charter"?

In January 2010 a business tycoon’s estranged wife (Lisa Imerman) won the right to use 20,000 documents stolen from his computer in her battle for a slice of his £300 million fortune.

In July 2010 Lisa was told she now cannot base her claim on thousands of documents downloaded by her brothers from her husband’s computer.

The recent judgment effectively says that helping yourself to documents belonging to your partner for use in divorce could become a thing of a past with many spouses now being able to hide assets which would otherwise be brought into account in the divorce settlement. Spouses who find documents or emails revealing their husband's/wife's wealth cannot use them in divorce trials. It is now considered unlawful, could breach a person's rights and also be a crime.

Divorce lawyers are calling this judgement and a ‘cheat's charter’.

Judith Middleton, Family Lawyer at Latimer Hinks said speaks out

Multi-millionaire Divorce Sparks Law Change